# Ethanol can be produced by the fermentation of glucose using yeast. Ethanol belongs to a homologous series of organic compounds called alcohols. Explain why ethanol is classified as an alcohol and describe what happens when ethanol is oxidised.

> OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248) — C6.2 Organic chemistry · Explain · 4 marks

> Ethanol is a widely used organic compound found in alcoholic drinks and as a fuel. It is produced industrially and can also be made by the fermentation of glucose.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Ethanol contains the functional group –OH
2. The –OH functional group is what defines/characterises the alcohol homologous series
3. When ethanol is oxidised, a carboxylic acid is produced
4. The product (ethanoic acid) contains the –COOH functional group / is a member of the carboxylic acid homologous series

## Key terms

- [alcohol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohol)
- [oxidised](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/oxidised)
- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Chemistry A: Gateway Science (J248)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-can-be-produced-by-the-ef014ddd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.